At its January meeting the Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors took a position on the existing incentives that support the film industry in New Mexico.

The board resolution was that the Chamber will support the continuation of the existing state film incentives for a one-year period during which time an objective research vehicle is to be put in place to determine the efficacy and transparency of the incentive policy, its true cost, impacts and competitiveness and whether it should be continued.

The Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce urges State lawmakers to take this time to get all the facts before the public while continuing to invest in the film industry.

Area businesses have urged the Chamber to support the industry because the movie industry is directly responsible for over 12,000 jobs in New Mexico, 3000 in the industry, 3000 in film vendor businesses and over 6000 indirect jobs benefitting from the industry.

Numerous businesses in Santa Fe County credit the movie industry with helping to save their business during a very difficult economic period. Hotels, lumber companies, printers, office suppliers, caterers and restaurants directly benefit from investment by film companies.

The movie industry is well-established locally with studios and soundstages already built and more in the design stage. Training programs are in progress and we have thousands of experienced technicians already trained. The movie industry is no longer a start-up. To remain competitive with other states maintaining existing levels of incentives must be considered.

Movies are made throughout New Mexico. They are not just limited to the Santa Fe – Albuquerque area. Terminator Salvation was filmed in Carrizozo, benefiting a rural community tremendously. Wild Hogs similarly for Madrid.

The Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce urges State lawmakers to take this time to get all the facts before the public while continuing to invest in the film industry.